Seatrade Cruise Global 2021 was recently held in Miami from Sept. 27-30. As the travel industry emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there was lots of exciting news that came out during the annual conference to share with clients. Below is a snapshot of all the ocean, river and expedition highlights by brand.
To more closely reflect the company’s latest modern riverboats, American Cruise Lines is redesigning and renaming its paddlewheel fleet while still maintaining traditional touches. Studio Dado will lead the project.
America, Queen of the Mississippi and Queen of the West will be renamed American Splendor, American Heritage and American West, respectively. American Pride will keep its existing name. The transformation is scheduled for completion by next March, and the start of the 2022 sailing season.
Sister brands American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) and Victory Cruise Lines (VCL) are merging into a singular moniker: American Queen Voyages. Under the new umbrella will be American Queen Voyages River (formerly AQSC), American Queen Voyages Lakes & Ocean (formerly VCL) and American Queen Voyages Expedition, which will encompass new Alaska and Central America trips in 2022.
Under the lakes and ocean subset, Victory I and Victory II will be renamed Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator, respectively.
Atlas Ocean Voyages is expanding its complimentary insurance coverage to include emergency evacuations and medical and travel assistance for guests.
“We are delivering greater peace of mind to our guests with the new Atlas Assurance program,” said Alberto Aliberti, the line’s president, in a press release. “While emergencies rarely occur, it’s comforting to know that our guests are protected with Atlas Assurance if something unexpected should happen and they need help. Atlas Assurance is part of Atlas’ All Inclusive All The Way, which provides guests a safe, convenient and seamless experience on a luxe-adventure voyage.”
Celebrity Cruises previewed its next ship, Celebrity Beyond, coming online April 2022. Among its planned 15 restaurants, five cafes and 12 bars and lounges will be Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, a dedicated restaurant from the Michelin-starred chef; the Sunset Bar, designed by Celebrity Cruises design ambassador Nate Berkus; and the World Class Bar in partnership with beverage experts Diageo. Plus, the Rooftop Garden’s Rooftop Grill, Cafe al Bacio and Mast Bar are being designed by interior designer Kelly Hoppen.
River and yacht brand Emerald Cruises is set to expand with a sister to its Emerald Azzurra ocean vessel. Emerald Sakara will join the fleet in 2023, heading to the Seychelles. An eight-day Tropical Charms of the Seychelles itinerary will visit eight islands.
Construction is already under way on the intimate 100-guest Sakara, which will feature 88% balcony cabins, an infinity pool, a spa, a gym and a marina platform complete with watersports equipment.
Lindblad Expeditions announced it has taken delivery of its new National Geographic Resolution. The 126-guest, PC5 ice-class expedition vessel is a sister ship to the recently introduced National Geographic Endurance. Both new ships feature a signature X-Bow from shipbuilder Ulstein to smooth the ride in rough conditions and improve fuel efficiency.
Resolution’s inaugural run will take place on Nov. 17, 2021 to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Seabourn Cruise Line has revealed the name of its second dedicated expedition ship. Seabourn Pursuit will launch in February 2023 behind Seabourn Venture in March 2022.
“The name Seabourn Pursuit is truly fitting for a ship envisioned and designed to take expedition travelers into those places where they can see vast landscapes, diverse wildlife and remote regions of the world that may have been on their bucket list for years,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn, in a press release.
Silversea Cruises is debuting its first-ever international television commercial. The luxury line’s collaborator and world-renowned photographer Steve McCurry stars in the spot. Seen in his suite on the Silver Spirit, he writes a letter addressed “To the Curious,” which reads, “To all of you who have been yearning to travel: It's time. The world is reopening. Open up to the world.”
The 30-second ad will first air in the U.S. and U.K. before being seen globally.
Windstar Cruises has just welcomed back Star Legend in Lisbon, Portugal, following its enhancement and elongation. As the second Star Plus-class ship to emerge following Star Breeze, Legend has also increased its maximum capacity from 212 to 312 guests.
The ship features new dining options such as barbeque and Spanish tapas restaurants from celebrity chefs Steven Raichlen and Anthony Sasso, respectively, as well as an infinity-style pool and expanded spa and fitness center.
